Rather than be reactive, security agents should endeavour to be proactive in tackling the menace of banditry and kidnapping in the country.
This is the position of the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during a sympathy visit on Thursday to Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago.
Ganduje, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Edwin Olofu, expressed concern about the reactive approach often adopted by security agencies, stressing the need for proactive and decisive measures targeting the criminal elements hiding in forests.
He advocated for military intervention in forests, as successfully implemented during his tenure as Kano State governor, where the Folgore Forest was transformed into a military training ground, eliminating criminal activities in the area.
He said, “We are here to pray for our friend, our brother, and the good people of Niger State. We sincerely condole with the government and the good people of Niger, the families of the deceased, and the injured ones.
“We appreciate how you keep Niger State safe because Niger State has the largest land mass and the highest number of forests in the country, which is a herculean task to keep the peace within its environs.
“Your Excellency, the solution to this menace is to conquer the forest. The bandits are in the forest, why have we been on the defensive instead of being on the offensive? When I was the governor of Kano State, I requested through the federal government that the military take over Falgore Forest, and the military built a military training ground there. That was how bandits were chased away from that forest, and Kano is at peace.”
Ganduje also conveyed condolences to the people of Niger State over the recent tanker explosion that claimed numerous lives, offering prayers and support to the families of the victims.
Bago appreciated the solidarity of the APC leadership and urged the Federal Government to address critical infrastructure, such as the Suleja-Minna road, to reduce accidents and improve safety in the state.
He said, “I’m standing before you on behalf of Nigerlites. We really appreciate this visit. We are doing a lot to create awareness among our people about the dangers of scooping fuel whenever such an accident occurs.”
